Here it is – my sixth annual gift guide. The frequent holiday sales make it too easy to focus on buying for ourselves and forget about the impending holidays; I’m here to remind you that it’s time to put that shoe purchase on the backburner and start planning out what you’re getting your loved ones. This list is for the men that deserve your gratitude this year – maybe it’s a brother, a father, a friend, a husband, or someone else entirely. No matter what relation, here’s your unequivocal menswear-ish gift guide for this holiday season.
For the aspiring chef: Most kitchen tools aren’t exactly attractive, but a good cutting board is functional, handsome, and a pleasure to use. There are many places to get such a thing, though I like the Boos boards from William Sonoma – the cherry and walnut are my favorites (the medium 20″x15″ size works well). Wherever you decide to purchase, I strongly recommend getting one in person and not online, because it’s truly incredible how many cutting boards are warped. Get one that doesn’t wobble and be sure to hit it with some mineral oil so that it stays that way.
For the luxury goods connoisseur: I’m a simple man, but I have found few things to be as luxurious – and by extension, unnecessary – as cashmere socks. They’re (relatively) expensive, hard to care for, and don’t last that long, but true luxury was never about practicality anyway. Walking on cashmere is an amazing feeling, and just makes everything you do a bit more pleasant. Both Bresciani and Marcoliani have many good options, which you can find here and here. What’s that you say? Cashmere is too pedestrian for you? For only a month’s rent, you could gift a fine pair of cervelt socks this holiday seaon.
For the whisk(e)y snob: Bourbon and scotch are fun, but some people are missing out on a whole world of great spirits by limiting themselves to whiskey. I’m a big rum fan and one of my all-around favorites is Hamilton Gold (though all of the Hamilton rums are excellent – and affordable). Much like many styleforum brands, Hamilton was started by a forum legend – Ed Hamilton. The Gold rum is a great example of hogo, or the funky, pungent, umami-ish flavors that some rums exhibit. Great for sipping or mixing (or for making aged eggnog in advance – mine’s gonna be ready just in time for Christmas).
For the aspiring gym bro: Few topics are more full of BS than fitness, so it can be hard to find guidance that is based on science and not fluff. The bible of weightlifting is Starting Strength, an excellent guide on mastering the basic lifts and building a routine that will make you stronger. With incredibly thorough guides to every step of the process, Mark Rippetoe’s book is a must-read for those looking to get into weightlifting – though I don’t necessarily recommend drinking a gallon of milk every day.
For the budding mixologist: Why is it so hard to find cocktail glassware that isn’t the size of a pint glass? I had to search high and low to find affordable coupe glasses that were the right size, and finally found them. Perfect for any drink served up – manhattans, martinis, daquiris, and more. They look great, are the right volume, and won’t make anyone too mad when they inevitably get broken (looking at you, Nick).
For the cashmere snob: Bougie laundry detergent seems unnecessary, but given how much many of us spend on clothing it’s not as crazy as it sounds. I recently started using a couple of products from the Laundress, most notably their wool & cashmere shampoo. It’s gentle, effective, and smells great – I don’t know if the cedar scent actually keeps moths away, but I’d like to think that it does.
For the recent college grad: A nice wallet doesn’t have to be expensive, but it will be appreciated every time it gets pulled out (which, if their entry into the workforce is anything like mine, will be way too often). Bellanie at Chester Mox will make you an incredible wallet by hand – you can see my review here. It’s without question the best wallet you can get at that price. If you do go down this road, order soon (this week!), as they are made to order and require some lead time.
For the outdoorsman: With the proliferation of houseplant retailers like the Sill, it’s never been easier to bring the outdoors indoors. Sure, there are tried-and-true classics like snake plants, rubber trees, and fiddle leaf figs, but there are so many other great plants out there. The Calathea (or “prayer plant”) is beautiful and fascinating, the nearly indestructible ZZ plant is a workhorse, and the whole wild world of succulents is a topic all its own.
For the Jetsetter: I love when I find products that are both inexpensive and extremely useful – the MUJI dopp kit is one of those things. I was very against dopp kits for a long time, but I’ve come around. It’s now an essential part of my travel rig. They also make a suitcase that’s the best in its class if anyone on your list is missing one.
There you have it! Good luck, and happy holidays.
